Afenifere Asks Tinubu To License Amotekun To Carry Lethal Weapons, Seeks Overhaul Of Security Architecture

The Yoruba group urged President Bola Tinubu to implement a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security architecture to address the pressing issues effectively.

Pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has demanded significant changes to Nigeria’s security framework to combat the increasing incidents of kidnapping and banditry.

The Yoruba group urged President Bola Tinubu to implement a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security architecture to address the pressing issues effectively.

Afenifere also explained the need for urgent restructuring of the country, advocating for these reforms to be carried out as swiftly as possible.

A communiqué released after a recent meeting in Akure, the Ondo State capital and hometown of the group’s leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, outlined several key points.

According to Jare Ajayi, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, the communiqué emphasised the need for a complete overhaul of the country’s security architecture.

It urged the acceleration of plans to establish state police and the integration of modern technology to combat banditry and terrorism, aiming to reduce incidents of kidnapping and other forms of crime.

The communiqué also called for Amotekun to be licensed to carry lethal weapons and advocated for enhanced cooperation between Amotekun and other security agencies.

It proposed the installation of command and control posts across local government areas to facilitate real-time information sharing.

Regarding the high cost of living, Afenifere urged the Federal Government to strengthen the currency, boost productivity, and reduce costs to combat inflation and improve public welfare.

It recommended that local governments, following a Supreme Court ruling granting them financial autonomy, support local farmers with resources and subsidies to increase food availability, enhance council finances, and stimulate the local economy.

The group reiterated its call for the swift restructuring of the country, urging President Bola Tinubu to leverage his democratic and federalist credentials to expedite the realization of true federalism.

To improve organisational efficiency, Afenifere plans to revamp its International Secretariat in Lagos and its state capitals’ sub-national secretariats.

New officers include Dr. Olusegun Mimiko as Chairman of the Reconciliation Committee, Agbaakin Ademola Folarin as Secretary General, Alagba Dare Babrinsa as Treasurer, and Barrister Lanre Omisore as Financial Secretary. They will join existing officers such as Abagun Kole Omololu, National Organizing Secretary, Dr. Akin Onigbinde, Legal Adviser, and Comrade Jare Ajayi, National Publicity Secretary.

Pa Reuben Fasoranti congratulated the newly appointed committee members, urging them to advance Afenifere’s goals and positively impact Yorubaland.

He also expressed hopes for the success of governments at all levels to improve the quality of life for the people.